DETROIT – The lineup of stars and icons has been revealed for this year’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade, which is presented by Gardner White and will air live on Local 4.
Thanksgiving is just a month away, and that means the 99th edition of America’s Thanksgiving Parade is on the horizon.
On Wednesday, The Parade Company revealed the lineup of stars, including actor Sam Richardson, Happy Gilmore 2 star Christopher McDonald, a Detroit Lions legend, and WDIV icon Devin Scillian.
“We are elated to have these incredible stars and icons in the 99th America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White,” said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company. “Thanksgiving is a magical day in Detroit. It simply doesn’t get any better, and as we approach our 100th anniversary next year, it is an honor to again bring one of the country’s most-celebrated holiday traditions to generations of Detroiters and millions across the country.”
The theme for this year’s parade is “Thanksgiving is Better in Detroit!”
The lineup for 2025 includes eight new floats designed and built by The Parade Company artists. Those will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
WDIV’s pre-parade coverage begins at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. The parade show starts at 9 a.m., and America’s Thanksgiving Parade is from 10 a.m. to noon.
Here is the 2025 lineup of celebrities and icons.
Grand Marshals: Mike Duggan and Devin Scillian
The two grand marshals for the parade are Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and iconic WDIV anchor Devin Scillian.
Scillian spent many Thanksgiving mornings leading WDIV’s parade coverage and kept Michiganders informed throughout the years. Turns out, even retirement couldn’t keep him away from the action!
Disney’s The Lion King
This year’s Parade will open with a performance from The Lion King. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings to life the inspiring story of hope and adventure through stunning visuals, iconic music by Elton John and Tim Rice, and direction by Julie Taymor. The groundbreaking musical returns to the Detroit Opera House from March 12 to April 5, 2026.
Performing on Woodward for the Parade Opening Act are Broadway stars Syndee Winters and Darian Sanders, who will sing the beloved classic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Sam Richardson
A Detroit native, comedian, writer, and Emmy Award-winning actor, Richardson has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic talents.
Best known for his roles in Ted Lasso, Veep, and the After Party, he brings sharp wit and heart to every role.
He also co-created and starred in the Detroit-based comedy “Detroiters,” a fan favorite that celebrates his hometown roots and signature sense of humor.
Christopher McDonald
McDonald is a renowned actor known for his countless film and television performances and best recognized for his iconic role as Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore and Happy Gilmore 2.
He stars opposite Jean Smart in HBO Max’s Hacks, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, and has appeared in Thelma & Louise, Quiz Show, The Watcher, and more.
Dexter Bussy
The former Detroit Lions running back starred for the team for 11 seasons from 1974-1984, earning his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Known for his grit, consistency, and electric play on the field, Bussey remains a beloved figure among Lions fans and a true Detroit sports legend.
Hannah Palmer, Miss Michigan America
Palmer is is a third-grade teacher with Ann Arbor Public Schools.
She was recognized as a Quality-of-Life finalist at the pageant for her community service initiative at the Sunflower Project, an organization that provides support for people living with non-visible disabilities.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star
With SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends getting set to sail on their biggest, all-new, can’t miss cinematic event ever –The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, in theatres Dec. 19, 2025, the always-popular SpongeBob will make his way down Woodward Ave. to delight of kids and parents.
Roary and PAWS
The beloved mascots of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers will bring their signature energy to the streets of Detroit, spreading hometown cheer all along the route.
Hooper and Nitro
Hooper is the Detroit Pistons’ longtime mascot and a fan favorite known for his amazing stunts, clever skits, fun-loving personality and D-UP mentality at Pistons games.
Nitro is the blue horse mascot for the Detroit Pistons’ NBA G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. Introduced in October 2024, Nitro has a high energy, mischievous personality, and awesome dance skills.
Santa
Santa Claus -- maybe you know him as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, or Kris Kringle -- will be the one bringing all the magic to kick off the holiday season!
2025 Distinguished Clown Corps,
The 2025 Distinguished Clown Corps, presented by Emagine Entertainment, is a group of 200 community and business leaders continuing the legacy that started 40 years ago.
This year’s Distinguished Grand Jester is Duane Mezwa, MD, a longtime supporter of The Parade Company, and a 28-year clown.
The Big Head Corps
The Big Head Corps helps support The Parade Company’s mission by raising funds towards the preservation and restoration of the world’s largest papier-mache head collection.
This year includes a Big Head designed to celebrate World Series Champion and legendary Detroit Tiger player and broadcaster, Kirk Gibson.
The all-important Head Honcho for 2025 is Andrew Dold.
Turkey Trot
The Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot -- one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the country and produced by The Parade Company -- has opened up registration, including a 10K, 5K, one-mile, and combo events where participants dress up in holiday costumes to run the streets of Detroit.